As we step into 2026, the CCC is dedicating this year to development, focusing on three key areas for our beloved holy ground: building more relationships, growing our volunteer base, and increasing donor support. Development is vital to ensuring our continued success. To grow relationships, my family and I have been visiting congregations across the region—more than 20 since April—strengthening existing connections, forming new ones, and sharing updates about the CCC. Volunteer development is another priority, and new this year we’ve launched “Fix It Fridays,” a weekly volunteer day with a list of projects for all seasons and skill sets. We’ve already had at least one volunteer every Friday since the start of the year, working on everything from hands-on repairs to office organization, helping us complete projects more efficiently. Anyone interested in joining can reach me at eric@newtonccc.org or call the CCC at 641-792-1266; lunch and community are always included. Our final focus is creating a sustainable financial plan by partnering with monthly donors to keep investing in our facility for the future. As a non-profit, this consistent support is essential, since most organizations rely on a small percentage of donors for a large portion of their funding.

Blessings,

Several years ago Marcia and I went to Grandcamp for the 6th time. That time we were with 2 of our grandsons. They had a wonderful experience. They shoveled dirt, drove nails and watched the first walls being raised for the new cabins. The Conference Center is truly holy ground is so many ways, both expected and unexpected. I can’t encourage everyone enough to attend; grandparent, uncle, aunt, etc. I can promise each and everyone of you that you will never regret attending. 

The most moving moment for me came at the wiener roast the first night. I traded hello’s with a gentlemen sitting across the table from me. I wasn't expecting much more than that, but he went on to tell me that he had been battling cancer for over 12 years. I started to express my sympathy, but he said that it had been such a blessing for him. His faith in God and his fellow man had grown tremendously. He had seen a doctor, nurse or other health care provider at least once every other week for all of those years. He treasured every single day that he had with them, his family and his friends, new and old. He treasured life but does not fear death, nor should we as our Lord and savior Jesus Christ died on the cross to wash away our sins and give us ever lasting life.



God Bless,

Jim Gossett

Monroe scouts came out for a weekend retreat and had an amazing time here on holy ground. The group helped us paint cabinets, remove carpet from the program closet, hang drywall in our new camp store expansion. They experienced quality time together building relationships through work, play, and meals. This group has enjoyed their time so much at the CCC that they have booked and entire week this summer for their scout camp in our rustic area. They plan to have the youth pitch tents and use a village or two for campsites. They also will be using McKee as their director base as well as meal prep and storm shelter options. It is great to see how so many people experience this holy ground in different ways. We are thankful for our continued partnerships with Monroe scouts and look forward to helping build more memories together for all.